eric8 wrote:We'll be in Vermont around the 21st and 22nd. I was hoping the fall foilage would still be in full swing but from reading now it looks like it will all be over.
We're coming from Alabama and this is our first trip up to your part of the country. Are there any really nice towns to visit? We were thinking of Woodstock, Vermont. We would like to visit a very nice and beautiful Norman Rockwell type area! Gosh, I hope some of the leaves are still on the trees!
Congrats! I would agree with the southern Vermont sentiment given your time of year.
Your mention of "Norman Rockwell" makes me think you folks might enjoy the drive from Bennington to Manchester Village via the 7A. You'll get some nice views of southern Vermont life and along the way you can visit the Norman Rockwell museum in Arlington. Rockwell lived there for 14 years and it was his experiences in the town that lead him to work on small town America with such affection and truth. In fact, many of the townsfolk were his models for some of his most famous works.
You could then head down 313 (intersects with 7A) and see the Inn on Covered Bridge Green which, in additional to being the home of the aforementioned and much photographed covered bridge, was once Mr. Rockwell's home and studio.
You can continue up 7A to Manchester which offers a variety of experiences from a well preserved core (Manchester Village) to excellent dining and shopping (Manchester Center) including the flagship Orvis store (Orvis is based in Sunderland, which you will pass on 7A) if such interests you.
From there you can either jump onto 7 (the modern freeway that replaced 7A) to places north or head east on 11/30 (at the top of the first mountain, turn right to continue on 30 as 11 continues off to your front) to the villages of Jamaica (stop for coffee at the Jamaica Coffee Shop) and Newfane. Newfane, in particular, will probably fulfill your desire for a Rockwellian experience. Along the way, you can stop and photograp the Scott covered bridge, one of the longest in Vermont.
Sorry, was that too much info?
but if you are still intent on seeing some picturesque VT towns, despite the foliage situation at that time, then you should. The crowds will be down quite a bit. Since this is your first trip to Vermont and you still intend to be there those two days, why not drive around to a few and still be able to enjoy the essence of Vermont and the ambiance of its small villages and towns.